Sunday, August 31, 2008

Floods in India imperil millionsPosted on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 12:48pmMillions of farmers and their families may be displaced for months after severe floods in northern India wiped out crops and homes, leaving hundreds of villages under several feet of water, officials said Friday. Full Story

Thai police fire tear gas as protests escalatePosted on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 12:50pmThai police on Friday fired tear gas and scuffled with protesters who are demanding the premier step down, as escalating turmoil in the kingdom heaped pressure on the seven-month-old government. Full Story

Malaysia deports 4 suspected militantsPosted on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 12:52pmMalaysia deported four suspected Islamic militants to Indonesia earlier this month after having detained them for years without trial, a human rights advocacy group said Friday. Full Story

AFP admits there was no evidence against Mohamed HaneefPosted on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 12:53pmTHE Australian Federal Police has formally abandoned its $8 million investigation of Mohamed Haneef, more than 12 months after the Indian doctor was arrested at Brisbane airport over alleged terror offences. Full Story

Quake hits Tibet, no damage reportedPosted on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 12:55pmA magnitude 5 earthquake struck Tibet on Friday near the border with Nepal, close to an area hit earlier in the week by a stronger quake that damaged hundreds of homes. Full Story

Nigeria militants: 29 military personnel killedPosted on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 5:12pmNigeria's main militant group claims it has killed 29 military personnel in three separate attacks across the country's restive southern oil region. Full Story

Pak Govt suspends military operations against TalibanPosted on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 5:13pmThe Pakistan government on Saturday announced that it would suspend military operations against the Taliban in the country's northwestern tribal areas in view of the holy Islamic month of Ramzan but warned that any action by the militants would meet with a firm response. Full Story

Brazil intel agency accused of illegal wiretapsPosted on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 7:06pmBrazil's national intelligence agency will investigate accusations that its agents tapped the phones of top government officials including the president of the Supreme Court, officials said Saturday. Full Story

UN: Georgians effectively blocked from homesPosted on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 8:32pmRussian troops remaining in Georgian territory are effectively preventing Georgians from returning to their homes, a U.N. representative said Saturday. Full Story

40 militants killed in Pakistan air strike: armyPosted on Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 8:53pmPakistan's army killed 40 militants in an air strike that targeted a rebel stronghold in the country's troubled northwestern Swat region, a military spokesman said Saturday. Full Story

ICE accused of tracking immigrants at Head StartPosted on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 4:06amImmigration enforcement officials are now targeting migrant and seasonal Head Start centers in some states as part of efforts to track down illegal immigrants, the executive director of the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association says.

Yvette Sanchez, president of the Washington, D.C.-based association, was in Milwaukee recently for a meeting of the national board of directors at United Migrant Opportunity Services Inc. Full Story

Nigerian Kidnappers Demand $12 Million Ransom for IsraeliPosted on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 4:10amNigerian gunmen are demanding $12 million for the release of an Israeli businessman kidnapped in the Niger River Delta city of Port Harcourt. Four gunman abducted Ehud Avni at his home late Tuesday. Full Story

Zimbabwe Ruling Party Rejects Latest Opposition DemandsPosted on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 4:12amState media in Zimbabwe say President Robert Mugabe's party has rejected the opposition's latest power-sharing demands. The Herald newspaper reports Saturday that the ruling ZANU-PF has dismissed the suggestion that the Cabinet be co-chaired by Mr. Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai as "stunning ignorance on how government works." Full Story

Pakistani Taliban vow to strike during RamadanPosted on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 4:13amPakistani Taliban will continue attacks during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, rejecting a government announcement it would halt military actions in the northwest, a Taliban spokesman said on Sunday.

Violence has surged in Pakistan in recent weeks with the military battling al Qaeda- and Taliban-linked fighters in three different parts of the northwest. Full Story

Iran Top Military Commander Warns Attack Would Spark World WarPosted on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 4:23amOne of Iran's top military commanders warns any attack against Iran would start a new world war. Iranian state media reported the comments by Brigadier General Masoud Jazayeri Saturday. General Jazayeri says unrestrained greed of the United States and Zionism are pushing the world to "the edge of a precipice." Full Story

Anti-Qaida fighter killed with family in Iraq's Diyala provincePosted on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 4:32amGunmen shot dead an anti-Qaida fighter and his family in a village in Iraq's Diyala province, a provincial police source said on Saturday. "Salah al-Zeidi, his wife, and two sons were killed late on Friday when unknown gunmen stormed their house in the al-Wathba village, south of the provincial capital Baquba, some 65 km northeast of Baghdad," the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Full Story

5 arrested, dozens detained in pre-RNC raidsPosted on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 4:35amActivists planning protests around the Republican National Convention say they are being targeted in a heavy-handed attempt to chill dissent after police arrested five people, detained dozens of others, and seized computers and protest guides in raids Friday night and Saturday on private homes and the major meeting center. Full Story

Suspected terrorist's wild ride endsPosted on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 4:58amThe wild ride of Abdelkader Belliraj ended at the Hotel Fashion. The Moroccan-born Belgian had quite a resume: accused terrorist kingpin, assassin, gangster, double agent - and hotelier. He visited from Belgium now and then to oversee the hotel, a three-star inn with a sidewalk cafe where men sip tea and watch a parade of whining scooters, dusty taxis, sunburned tourists and veiled Berber women. Full Story

Chemical prompts lockdown at 2 St. Louis ERsPosted on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at 5:00amEight people were sickened Saturday after exposure to a chemical at an Illinois plant, and emergency rooms at two hospitals where they were treated were quarantined. Full Story

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Pakistan: Lawyers rally for return of judgesPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 10:59amHundreds of lawyers are rallying in major Pakistani cities and disrupting traffic. They are pressuring the government to reinstate dozens of judges fired by ex-President Pervez Musharraf. Full Story

Seven killed in bombing of Pakistani police busPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:00amSeven people, most of them law enforcement officers, were killed Thursday by a roadside bomb that struck a police bus in Pakistan's restive North-West Frontier Province, officials said. "Suspected Islamist militants detonated a remote-controlled explosive device when the prison van was crossing a bridge over the Kurram River, killing six policemen and a passerby," a senior police officer, Waqas Hasan, said. Full Story

Malaysias Anwar rejoins parliamentPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:03amMalaysias opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim took another step towards his goal of bringing down the government and implementing ambitious reforms when he rejoined parliament on Thursday after a decades absence. Full Story

Premier says India floods a "calamity"Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:04amMassive flooding in eastern India has caused a "national calamity", the prime minister said Thursday after touring the devastated region where more than a million remain trapped. Full Story

Taiwan ex-intelligence chief indicted for alleged cover-upPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:05amTaiwan's ex-intelligence chief has been indicted for allegedly covering up for former president Chen Shui-bian over suspected money laundering, an official said Thursday. Full Story

Thai protesters defy court order to dispersePosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:06amThousands of demonstrators, some armed with golf clubs, batons and bamboo sticks, defied a court order to end their occupation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's office compound on Thursday, vowing to remain until the country's leaders resign. FullStory

Lebanese helicopter brought downPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 2:25pmA Lebanese military officer has been killed after armed men brought down a Lebanese army helicopter flying over the southern village of Sejoud, military officials have said. Full Story

Iran general says Israel too vulnerable to attackPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 2:26pmThe head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, General Mohammad Ali Jafari, said on Wednesday that Israel is too vulnerable to Iran's longer-range missiles to dare launch an attack. Full Story

Iraq's Sadr suspends militia activity indefinitelyPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 2:27pmIraqi Shiite radical leader Moqtada al-Sadr said on Thursday that he has suspended indefinitely the activity of the Mahdi Army, his feared 60,000 strong militia. Full Story

U.S. to hand over security in Anbar to the IraqisPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 2:27pmThe American military will hand over responsibility for the security of Anbar Province, once a stronghold of the Sunni insurgency and one of the most violent regions in Iraq, to the Iraqi government as early as Monday, Iraqi and American officials said Wednesday. Full Story

2 Iraqi officials accused of aiding al-QaidaPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 2:28pmA university president and a top local official in a restive province north of Baghdad are suspected of giving weapons and government cars to al-Qaida in Iraq insurgents, according to arrest reports obtained Wednesday. Full Story

Iraq's holy city of Najaf witnessing a boomPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 2:29pmThe city's first airport is weeks away from opening, but already a bigger one is talked about. Land prices are soaring. Merchants say they don't remember business ever being so good. Full Story

MEND offers to help free kidnapped IsraeliPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 2:30pmThe Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has said it is not behind Tuesday night's abduction of an Israeli construction worker, Ehud Avni, in Nigeria's oil city of Port Harcourt. Full Story

Suicide bomber killed trying to attack Pakistan campPosted on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 2:53amA suicide bomber tried to force his vehicle into a Pakistani military camp in the northwest on Friday but was blown up when soldiers opened fire on him, a day after dozens of people were killed in violence across the region. Full Story

Iran says 4,000 atomic centrifuges working: reportPosted on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 3:33amIran has 4,000 working nuclear centrifuges, an official said in remarks published on Friday, in line with a number verified by the U.N. atomic watchdog but lower than a figure cited by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Full Story

Hezbollah shot Lebanese army helicopter: paperPosted on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 4:51amA Lebanese army helicopter that was hit by gunfire in south Lebanon was targeted by Hezbollah fighters who thought the aircraft was Israeli, the Lebanese newspaper as-Safir reported on Friday. Full Story

Zardari should give up Pakistan president bid, rival saysPosted on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 4:52amThe widower of assassinated former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto should withdraw as a candidate for president because of questions about his mental health, a rival candidate said on Friday. Full Story

Contacts between Iraq and Jordan to develop national gas fieldsPosted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 7:53amThe Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Khaldoun Qatishat stressed that his country is running contacts with Iraq to develop national gas fields and to return part of their production to Jordan. Full Story

Settlements unhelpful to peace talksPosted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 7:59amSecretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Tuesday urged Israel to stop expanding settlements on disputed territory hours after a new report came out saying the Jewish state has nearly doubled such activity in the past year. Full Story

France offers help in Syria-Lebanon thawPosted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 8:03amFrances Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner yesterday offered French help to Syria and Lebanon on thorny issues linked to their resolve to normalise ties for the first time since independence 60 years ago. Full Story

Steps in place to foil terror attackPosted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 9:13amAs the Kingdom braces itself for a huge influx of Umrah pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan, the Saudi Interior Ministry has ruled out the possibility of a terror attack during the holy month. Full Story

Islamists protest in downtown BeirutPosted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 9:15amTwo Sunni Muslim women with Islamic head band, hold Islam's holy book the Quran, as they ask for the release their husbands, brothers and fathers, during a sit-in in front the government house, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday Aug. 26, 2008. Full Story

Thousands flee Pakistan offensive: UNPosted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 1:11pmThe military offensive against Taliban militants in a restive Pakistani tribal region near the Afghan border has displaced more than 260,000 people, UN and local officials said Tuesday. Full Story

Curfew still in force in KashmirPosted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 1:13pmMany parts of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir are still under curfew as authorities try to halt huge protests by both Muslim separatists and Hindus. Indian police are still holding separatist leaders who were arrested on Sunday and Monday after they defied the curfew and attempted to lead protests. Full Story

Floods kill dozens in Bihar statePosted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 1:20pmAt least 40 people have died and over a million have been affected by floods in three districts of the northern Indian state of Bihar, officials say. The banks of the Kosi river overflowed days after the part of the river in neighbouring Nepal breached an embankment there. Full Story

Battles kill 15 rebels, 7 soldiers in Sri LankaPosted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 1:21pmA series of gunbattles between government forces and the Tamil Tigers killed 15 rebels and seven soldiers in war-torn northern Sri Lanka, the military said on Tuesday. Fighting broke out on Monday along the front lines separating government-controlled territory and the rebels' de facto state in the north, a military statement said. Full Story

US, Russia anchor military ships in Georgian portsPosted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 4:06pmA U.S. military ship loaded with aid docked at a southern Georgian port Wednesday, and Russia sent three missile boats to another Georgian port as the standoff escalated over a nation devastated by war with Russia. Full Story

Russia plans to raise navy presence in Syria: diplomatPosted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 4:10pmThe Russian navy will make more use of Syrian ports as part of increased military presence in the Mediterranean, a Russian diplomat said on Wednesday. Full Story

Hijackers of Darfur plane surrender in LibyaPosted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 4:13pmTwo Sudanese men, armed with handguns and the threat of explosives, stormed the cockpit of the Boeing 737, taking control just minutes into the flight. Passengers said the hijackers remained calm but they still spent a night in fear. Full Story

Venezuela posed to nationalize fuel distributionPosted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 4:16pmLawmakers loyal to President Hugo Chavez want to allow the nationalization of fuel distribution, the government's latest move to bring Venezuela's economy under increased state control. Full Story

Israeli businessman kidnapped in NigeriaPosted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 4:18pmKidnappers have seized an Israeli businessman in oil-rich southern Nigeria, officials said Wednesday. The attackers kidnapped the man late Tuesday in the southern city of Port Harcourt, said regional police spokeswoman Rita Inoma-Abbey. Full Story

Thai protest refuses order to leave gov't compoundPosted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 4:21pmThai authorities stepped up pressure Wednesday on demonstrators occupying the grounds of the prime minister's office, getting court orders demanding the crowd disperse and issuing arrest warrants for nine protest leaders on insurrection charges. Full Story

Pakistan restores eight judgesPosted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 7:13pmEight of the judges sacked last November by former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf have been reinstated. Full Story

Police arrest two over Brown death threatsPosted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 7:16pmPolice investigating alleged death threats against Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Wednesday they had arrested two men on suspicion of terrorism.

Militants killed in Kashmir siegePosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 4:14amThree suspected militants have been shot dead and six hostages freed in the Jammu area of Indian-administered Kashmir, security forces said. They said two women and four children were rescued, but the militants had killed three male hostages. Full Story

Local emergency teams practice terror drillsPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 4:15amFederal, state, and local emergency teams joined forces along the Maumee to practice their terror drills A terrorist attack can happen without warning and emergency crews have to be able to respond immediately. One possible target is Toledo's port. Federal, state, and local emergency teams joined forces along the Maumee to practice their terror drills. Full Story

Airport to debut color-coded security lanesPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 4:19amOn Thursday, the TSA will officially unveil color-coded lanes at Sky Harbor that could speed up security checkpoint lines. The program allows travelers to choose a security checkpoint lane based on how familiar they are with airport rules and how much time they need, according to the Transportation Security Administration. Full Story

Sudanese plane hijackers surrender in LibyaPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 4:23amThe hijackers of a Sudanese airliner surrendered to authorities in Libya on Wednesday after releasing all the passengers and crew, Libya's aviation authority said. The airliner, with 95 people on board, was seized on Tuesday after leaving Sudan's war-torn Darfur region for Khartoum. It was forced to land at the remote Sahara desert oasis of Kufrah in southeastern Libya. Full Story

Pirate Ransom Helped Somalia Islamist Militants Seize PortPosted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 4:29amDuring the first half of this decade, factional leader Yusuf Mohamed Siad, better known by his nickname Inda'ade, was notorious in Somalia for engaging in pirate activities and running a lucrative drug and weapons trafficking operation from the city of Merca, the provincial capital of the Lower Shabelle region. Full Story

One of the men being questioned by police in Manchester is suspected of posting a death threat on a recognised jihadi website and styling himself Sheikh Umar Rabie al-Khalaila, leader of al-Qaeda in Britain. The message, written in English, appeared only briefly on January 24th, 2008.

The website http://www.al-ekhlaas.com/ was shut down in Tampa Fl, USA on Jan 28th, 2008. The three arrested are British-born Muslims of Asian origin (Pakistani).

The threats appeared on the http://www.al-ekhlaas.com/ website, which has been used by al-Qaeda and is monitored by intelligence agencies, in January. They warned of a wave of suicide attacks in Britain and against British interests around the world unless the group’s demands for a withdrawal from Iraq and the release of Muslim prisoners were met.

Detectives have been investigating the background to the posting and arrested three men last week in an operation run by Greater Manchester Police’s counter-terrorism unit. The three detainees are aged 21, 22 and 23 and all come from Blackburn, Lancashire, where extensive searches have been carried out.

One man was detained in the Accrington area and the other two were arrested at at Manchester airport before they could board a flight to the Finnish capital, Helsinki. The Times understands that British police are concerned about the potential link to militants in Scandinavia and travelled to Finland earlier this week to carry out further inquiries.

The internet threats were reported by The Times earlier this year and the full text of the posting, which originally appeared in Arabic, has since been obtained. It was headed: "Statement of the Leader of al-Qaeda in Britain, Sheikh Umar Rabie al-Khalaila” and began by offering “a truce to the British government”.

The author of the document demanded “a complete withdrawal of the British troops from Afghanistan and Iraq” and the release of “all Muslim captives from Belmarsh prison”.

It specifically named the extremist clerics Abu Qatada and Abu Hamza al-Masri as two inmates who should be freed. The courts have since ordered the release on bail of Abu Qatada who is now living under a 22-hour curfew in west London.

The statement then added: "If the British government fails to respond to our demands by the last day of March 2008 as they fail to answer to the truce of our Sheikh Osama bin Laden... then the Martyrdom seekers of the organisation of al-Qaeda in Britain will target all the political leaders especially Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and we will also target all Embassies, Crusaders Centres and their Interests through out the country, with the help of Allah.”

The company, Noc4Hosts, took the action Monday after it was informed about the site by The Tampa Tribune. Noc4Hosts, at 400 N. Tampa St., is in an office building that also rents space to the Tampa district of the U.S. attorney's office.The Web site http://www.al-ekhlass.com/ includes a graphic interface program that is of special interest to those who monitor jihadi activity.

Known as "Mujahideen Secrets 2," it allows for encryption of messages and files. Steve Eschweiler said he took down the site, which was at http://www.alekhlaas/ .info/forum , after a call from the Tribune.

He would not say whether he has been contacted by investigators about the site. "If it is not immediately taken down, there is a reason for that, but I can't really say anything more than that without disclosing information," Eschweiler said. "Read between the lines. We are as American as anyone."

Typically, Alshech says, al-Qaida and other jihadi groups perform their most sensitive communications without using the Internet because it isn't secure enough for them.

Mujahideen Secrets 2 is the second generation of a graphical user interface that is as simple to use as Windows, said Paul Henry of Ocala, an Internet security specialist who first discovered the program. Law enforcement has taken a great interest in the program, he said.

"It was understood that law enforcement cracked the code for the original version of this program and were able to read e-mails and, just as importantly, stored files," Henry said. "Now, with this new program, where they corrected the deficiencies, it makes it more difficult for law enforcement."

The Web site http://www.alekhlass.com/ , he said, is extremely popular. "When I looked at it, it had a counter that said it has had 17 million visits." The U.S. attorney's office would not comment on the site, the encryption program or whether an investigation is under way.

The Web site often used by al-Qaida is of great concern, according to A. Aaron Weisburd, who runs the Internet Haganah, a Web site dedicated to hunting and disrupting jihadi Internet communications.

Intelligence investigators describe the site as "arguably the single most important al-Qaida Web site currently in operation," Weisburd says. The site was registered on January 22, 2006, by a man named Peterson Hoffman in Amman, Jordan.

Though Eschweiler shut down the Web site, the information is still available online. Another version, with a different Web address, is being hosted by a company in Phoenix (that site was shut down on Feb 2nd 2008 by the Arizona Republic newspaper and Private Investigator Bill Warner see story click here,) he said.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

All ofLebanon a target if Hezbollah takes over: Israeli ministerPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 6:31amIn any new war with the Shiite militant group Hezbollah all of Lebanon will be a target for Israel, including its civilian infrastructure, an Israeli minister said on Wednesday. Full Story

Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora visits IraqPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 7:26amLebanon's prime minister traveled to Baghdad on Wednesday in only the third such visit by a top Arab leader since the U.S.-led invasion five and a half years ago. Full Story

Russia: 64 soldiers dead in fight with GeorgiaPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 7:27amA top Russian general said Wednesday that 64 of the country's soldiers were killed in this month's fighting with Georgia and that 323 were wounded. Full Story

Thaksin to seek asylum in BritainPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 7:28amFormer Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who skipped bail last week and flew to London, plans to seek political asylum in Britain, his lawyer said on Wednesday. Full Story

Turkish troops shell Kurd rebels in N.Iraq - guardPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 9:27amTurkish troops fired a salvo of shells at Kurdish rebel positions in northern Iraq early on Wednesday, but it was unclear if there were any casualties, an Iraqi border guard said. Full Story

Egypt investigates parliament firePosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 9:44amColumns of thin smoke are still rising from the upper house of the Egyptian parliament more than 18 hours after a fire broke out in the 19th century building. Full Story

Threat of ethnic tension in Iraqs KirkukPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 9:52amEthnic tension and violence could erupt if decisions on the future of the ethnically-mixed city of Kirkuk are imposed without agreement among its residents, an analyst said on 17 August. Full Story

On stubborn battlefield, Iraqi forces to take leadPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 10:02amThe U.S. commander dons his headset as a convoy of armoured vehicles rumbles along the dusty roads of the fertile Diyala river valley in Iraq, and he starts his macabre tour. Full Story

Iraq to export oil to LebanonPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 10:07amIraq and Lebanon plan to sign a series of trade agreements in coming weeks, including one on Iraq exporting oil to Lebanon, the prime ministers of the two countries said Wednesday. Full Story

Israel warns Lebanon to keep distance from HezbollahPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 10:09amIsrael has warned the Lebanese government against giving greater legitimacy to the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, saying it would make the entire country a target in any future war. Full Story

Israel shuts Gaza crossings after rocket attackPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 10:10amIsrael has closed its cargo crossings with the Gaza Strip following a Palestinian rocket attack on southern Israel that violated a truce. Full Story

Jordan frees 4 prisoners transferred from IsraelPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 10:19amFour Jordanians who were convicted in Israel of killing Israeli troops but transferred last year to serve out their time in the kingdom were released Wednesday in Jordan, four months ahead of time. Full Story

Five Al Qaida suspects detained in YemenPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 10:20amFive Al Qaida suspects were detained in Al Quten area of Sayoun, in the Hudurmout province in eastern Yemen, a security source saidon Tuesday. Full Story

Death toll rises in Madrid air crashPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 12:01pmAt least 45 people were killed when a Spanair jet crashed on takeoff and burst into flames at Madrid airport on Wednesday, the government said, but an emergency services source reported about 150 deaths. Full Story

Missile strike reported in northwest PakistanPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 12:07pmPakistani officials say missiles have struck a suspected militant hideout near the Afghan border. Full Story

Drug lord's extradition to US approvedPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 3:48pmBrazil's Justice Ministry said Wednesday it has approved the extradition of Colombian drug lord Juan Carlos Ramirez Abadia to the United States to face racketeering charges.

The announcement comes six months after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Ramirez Abadia's extradition. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has the final say on extradition of Ramirez Abadia, who has been accused of leading Colombia's powerful Norte del Valle cartel. Full Story

Three Polish soldiers, 30 militants killed in AfghanistanPosted on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 4:25amThree Polish soldiers and more than 30 militants were killed in Afghanistan, military forces said Thursday, in the latest in weeks of intense attacks that have raised concern about deteriorating security. Full Story

Thaksin passport threatenedPosted on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 4:28amAbout 1,000 supporters of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) staged a protest in front of the Foreign Ministry Thursday, demanding that the government strip passports of ousted premier Thaksin Shianwatra and his wife Potjaman. Full Story

UN urges South Korea to offer food aid to NorthPosted on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 4:32amThe U.N. food agency has asked South Korea to provide emergency aid to North Korea to help it avert a food crisis, an official said Thursday. Full Story

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Dozens dead in attack against Algerian police academyPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 6:37amThe Algerian Interior Ministry says a suicide car bombing targeting a police academy has killed at least 43 people and injured 38. Full Story

Ten French soldiers killed in AfghanistanPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 6:39amTen French soldiers were killed in battles with the Taliban near the Afghan capital, a French presidency source said Tuesday, as troops thwarted a second attack on a key US military base in as many days. Full Story

At least 23 dead in Pakistan hospital blastPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 6:39amA suicide bomber blew himself up at a hospital in a north-western Pakistani town that has been plagued by sectarian violence, killing at least 23 people, police said. Full Story

Pakistan coalition meets on Musharraf successorPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 7:59amLeaders of Pakistan's ruling coalition met Tuesday to discuss a replacement for President Pervez Musharraf and begin tackling both rising Islamic militancy and a spiralling economic crisis. Full Story

Zambia's president dies in French hospitalPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 10:42amZambian President Levy Mwanawasa died Tuesday at a hospital in Paris nearly two months after suffering a stroke, Zambian and French officials confirmed. Full Story

Military: U.S. soldier killed in Iraq rocket attackPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 10:43amThe U.S. military says an American soldier has been killed in a rocket attack on a military base in southern Iraq. Full Story

Tamil Tigers tacitly admit losing ground to Sri Lankan govtPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 10:45amSri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels Tuesday tacitly admitted they were losing ground in the face of a major military offensive by warning that thousands of civilians in the north were at risk. Full Story

Iraqi soldiers storm Diyala governor's office, killing onePosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 11:27amIraqi soldiers stormed the governor's office in the restive province of Diyala before dawn on Tuesday, killing his secretary and firing on local police, the governor told AFP. Full Story

Gulf to replace import duty systemPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:43pmThe six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council plans to end its system of charging import duty for the country of final destination and may replace it with a simpler mechanism, a UAE official said. Full Story

Suicide car bomb kills 5 in western IraqPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:44pmA suicide bomber detonated a car bomb at a police checkpoint in the western Iraqi city of Ramadi on Monday, killing five policemen and wounding seven, police said. Full Story

Iran preparing to build more nuclear power plantsPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:46pmIran's official news agency says the country is preparing to build more nuclear power plants. Full Story

Iraq plans less intrusive security stance in NajafPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:48pmIraq is to install 300 closed-circuit television cameras in the Shiite holy city of Najaf as it seeks to adopt a less intrusive security stance in the pilgrimage centre, a provincial official said on Monday. Full Story

Israel warns activists against breaking Gaza blockadePosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:50pmIsrael has warned a group of pro-Palestinian activists sailing for the Gaza Strip to break a year-long blockade to steer clear of the territory, the Israeli embassy in Athens said on Tuesday. Full Story

10 French Paratroopers Killed in Ambush Near KabulPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:55pmIn unusually large and well-coordinated operations in eastern Afghanistan Monday, Taliban fighters killed 10 French soldiers and at least six suicide bombers attacked a base of NATO alliance troops, NATO and Afghan officials said Tuesday. Full Story

Fire breaks out at Egypt's parliamentPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 1:03pmA massive fire broke out at Egypt's upper house of parliament on Tuesday, injuring six people, police and fire department officials said. Full Story

India places $2 bn missile order with RussiaPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 1:15pmIndia has placed missile orders worth $2 billion with India-Russia military joint venture BrahMos, the firm's managing director was quoted as saying by Russia's Interfax news agency on Tuesday. Full Story

Russian soldiers take prisoners in Georgia portPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 1:19pmRussian soldiers took about 20 Georgians in military uniform prisoner at a key Black Sea port in western Georgia on Tuesday, blindfolding them and holding them at gunpoint, and commandeered American Humvees awaiting shipment back to the United States. Full Story

Polish government approves missile dealPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 1:28pmPoland's government gave formal approval to a missile defense deal with the U.S. on Tuesday before a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the deputy prime minister said. Full Story

Soft-drink bombs: SIMI's new weaponPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 1:28pmHaving used ammonium nitrate-based bombs to devastating effect in serial blasts across the country, the Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) was experimenting with a new concoction using hydrogen peroxide to make liquid bombs. Full Story

Iran's satellite launch a dramatic failurePosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 3:20pmIran's attempt to launch a dummy satellite into orbit was a "dramatic failure" that fell far short of the country's assertions of success, a US official said on Tuesday. Full Story

Inflation fears send markets tumblingPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 3:22pmShares suffered a renewed battering on both sides of the Atlantic today as edgy investors took fright over the twin threats of stubbornly high inflation and further fallout from the credit crisis. Full Story

Sarkozy flying to Afghanistan after French deathsPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 12:58amPresident Nicolas Sarkozy prepared to fly to Afghanistan on Tuesday after 10 French soldiers were killed and 21 wounded in a clash with Taliban insurgents, and declared France remained committed to its mission there. Full Story

Pirates 'seize ship' off SomaliaPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 1:01amPirates have hijacked a tanker with more than 20 crew on board in the Gulf of Aden near Somalia, a global maritime watchdog has said. A distress signal was received and the ship is now thought to be en route to coastal waters near Somalia. Full Story

Pakistan to review anti-terror policyPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 1:06amPakistan will review its policy in the war on terror after former president Pervez Musharrafs departure. A key aim is to discourage people from turning to militancy by giving them greater social and economic support. Full Story

Medvedev commits to Friday pull-out as NATO feud eruptsPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 1:07amPresident Dmitry Medvedev has issued a fresh commitment to withdraw almost all Russian troops from Georgia before the weekend as NATO-Russia relations plunged to their lowest ebb in years. Full Story

Afghan War escalates with Taliban raidPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 1:10amTaliban insurgents mounted their most serious attacks in six years of fighting in Afghanistan over the last two days, including a coordinated assault by at least 10 suicide bombers against one of the largest American military bases in the country, and another by some 100 insurgents that killed 10 elite French paratroopers. Full Story

UN envoy set to meet Suu Kyi: partyPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 1:36amUN envoy Ibrahim Gambari was expected to meet Wednesday with Myanmar's detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, sources in her National League for Democracy (NLD) party said. Full Story

Suicide Attack in Algeria Kills DozensPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 2:54amAlgeria's Interior Ministry says a suicide car bombing in front of a police school near Algiers has killed more than 40 people and injured dozens more. Ricci Shryock has more from our West Africa regional bureau in Dakar. Full Story

Rebel commander declares 'all-out war' against PhilippinesPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 2:59amA Muslim rebel commander behind deadly raids in the southern Philippines declared on Wednesday an "all-out war" against the government, saying his fighters were willing to die in battle. Full Story

UK accused of Musharraf exit dealPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 5:09amOne of Pakistan's most prominent pro- democracy leaders, Aitzaz Ahsan, has accused a senior British diplomat of undermining his country's rule of law. He said Sir Mark Lyall Grant urged the government to reach a deal with former President Musharraf: his resignation in return for immunity from prosecution. Full Story

India airport strike hits flightsPosted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 5:10amMany domestic airline flights have been cancelled in India after some airport workers went on strike against the government's economic policies. The strikers, belonging to communist unions, are particularly opposed to the privatisation of airports. Full Story

Resilient Sunni stronghold tests Iraqi armyPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 5:45amTwo Iraqi soldiers stumbled out of the thick, black smoke, their faces bathed in blood that glistened in the sun. They clutched their heads, mumbling "Hamdullah" -- "Thanks to God."

They had survived the explosion. A third Iraqi soldier was being carried on an olive-green stretcher. He was unconscious, curled like a baby. Full Story

Pakistan's Musharraf announces resignationPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:42amPakistani President Pervez Musharraf said in a televised address to the nation on Monday that he had decided to resign. Full Story

Turkey, African countries begin cooperation summitPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:46amHeads of state and other dignitaries from African countries and Turkey started an economic cooperation summit in Istanbul on Monday. Full Story

Georgia: 'No Signs' Of WithdrawalPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:46amGeorgia's foreign affairs ministry said that the troops were moving south from the central city of Kashuri towards Borjomi and Sachkhere. Full Story

9 Afghan Civilians Killed in Suicide Attack in KhostPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:47amU.S. and Afghan officials say a suicide bombing outside a U.S. military base in eastern Afghanistan has killed nine Afghan civilians and wounded 13 others. Full Story

India fears Musharraf exit will unleash new tensionsPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 7:47amCoincidence or not, as Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's influence waned this year, there was a spike in firing across the Indian border, a bomb attack on India's Kabul embassy and diplomatic spats over Kashmir. Full Story

Russia promises 'crushing response' to any aggressorPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 7:48amRussian President Dmitry Medvedev, whose forces have rolled into Georgia in support of pre-Moscow separatists, warned on Monday that any further aggression against Russian citizens would face a "crushing response". Full Story

Experts say U.S. is losing its ability to patrol Arctic watersPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 7:59amA growing array of American military leaders, Arctic experts and lawmakers say the United States is losing its ability to patrol and safeguard Arctic waters even as climate change and high energy prices have triggered a burst of shipping and oil and gas exploration. Full Story

Shiite cleric killed, 17 wounded in Baghdad violencePosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 8:14amA Shiite cleric was shot dead and 17 people, mostly Iraqi policemen, were injured in a wave of bombings in Baghdad on Monday, security sources said. Full Story

Moscow says troops withdrawingPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 8:15amRussia said its troops began withdrawing from the conflict zone in Georgia on Monday, including the strategic central city of Gori, according to the peace plan that sought to end fighting has reignited Cold War tensions. Full Story

Arroyo: Defend every inch of Philippine territoryPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 8:17amPresident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the police and military to defend every inch of Philippine territory against forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Full Story

Protesters march on U.N. offices in KashmirPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 8:37amTens of thousands of Muslims waving green and black protest flags marched through Indian Kashmir's main city on Monday and gathered in front of U.N. offices demanding freedom from India and intervention by the world body. Full Story

U.S. at risk of cyberattacks, experts sayPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 10:17amThe next large-scale military or terrorist attack on the United States, if and when it happens, may not involve airplanes or bombs or even intruders breaching American borders. Full Story

Pentagon doubts Iranian rocket test succeededPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 11:29amThe Pentagon does not believe an Iranian rocket test over the weekend was successful, despite reports in the official Iranian media saying the Islamic Republic had launched its first vehicle capable of placing a satellite in orbit. Full Story

Musharraf eased out of power, may go into exilePosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 11:30amPresident Pervez Musharraf was on Monday virtually forced out of power, resigning in the face of imminent impeachment to bring to an end nine turbulent years at the helm amidst speculation that he may be exiled to Saudi Arabia. Full Story

Jihadis shift attention to war in AfghanistanPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 11:52amIn the wake of setbacks suffered by Al Qaeda in Iraq, Afghanistan is becoming the preferred destination for Muslims, particularly from Arab nations, seeking to wage jihad against the West. Full Story

Thailand and Cambodia optimistic on border talksPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 11:52amThai and Cambodian leaders expressed optimism that a thorny border dispute around an ancient temple can be peacefully resolved through talks that begin Monday night. Full Story

Musharraf exit unlikely to undo militantsPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 12:19pmThe resignation of Pervez Musharraf removes a favorite bogeyman of Islamic militants both in and outside of Pakistan, but the government that forced him out is unlikely to change the policies that keep the jihadists fighting. Full Story

War reveals Russia's military might and weaknessPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 1:33pmRussia's lightning war against Georgia looks like a military triumph: An armada of Russian tanks easily crushed Georgia's modest army in a show of muscle intended to punish its U.S.-allied neighbor, scare others and reaffirm Moscow's influence on its former Soviet turf. Full Story

Argentine drug law plan sparks debate in slumsPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 5:21pmGovernment plans to decriminalize drug use are stirring controversy in Argentina's slums, where residents blame a crack-like drug called paco for fueling crime, violence and desperation. Children as young as 10 smoke paco in Ciudad Oculta (Hidden City), a ramshackle neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Full Story

Hit men kill 13 at party in Mexico tourist townPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 5:22pmSuspected drug hit men opened fire on a family gathering at a tourist town in northern Mexico killing 13 people including a baby. The masked hit men sprayed the party with bullets on Saturday as they drove past the dance hall where the family was gathered outside in Creel, Chihuahua state, near the U.S. border. Full Story

Venezuela to sign cement dealsPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 5:28pmVenezuela is proceeding with plans to nationalise its cement industry. Multinational cement firms Holcim and Lafarge will sign agreements with the country to transfer shares of their local subsidiaries. Full Story

Bomber Kills 10 on Afghan Independence Day Outside U.S. BasePosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 10:28pmAfghan leaders celebrated Independence Day with a small ceremony inside a fortified military compound, in marked contrast to the parade and public festivities a year ago and another sign that Taliban militants are bearing down on the government. Full Story

Bolivian Opposition Agrees to Meet With MoralesPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 10:37pmFive Bolivian opposition governors have agreed to meet with President Evo Morales in La Paz for a dialogue on the political crisis that threatens to divide the country. Full Story

Gunmen Ambush Bus in IraqPosted on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 10:40pmMasked gunmen ambushed a bus carrying election workers in southern Iraq on Monday, killing two of them, including an official known for resisting interference by Shiite religious extremists, authorities said. Full Story

Nukes unlikely to be affected by Musharraf leavingPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 12:06amPervez Musharraf's departure from the presidency is unlikely to have a significant impact on how Pakistan's nuclear weapons are controlled. Full Story

Suicide bombers attack US base in AfghanstanPosted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 1:47amOfficials say a team of suicide bombers have tried to storm a U.S. military base near the border with Pakistan. Six suicide bombers detonated their vests after being surrounded outside the base. Full Story

Sri Lanka fighting kills 56, rebel base capturedPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 11:24amAlmost 50 Tamil Tiger fighters and seven soldiers have been killed and an important rebel training base has been captured in fighting in Sri Lanka's north over the past two days, the military said on Sunday. Full Story

U.S.' Gates dismisses Russian warnings to PolandPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 12:15pmPentagon chief Robert Gates dismissed as "empty rhetoric" on Sunday Russian warnings that Moscow would target Poland for a possible military strike because Warsaw agreed to host part of a U.S. missile shield. Full Story

Taliban threaten more attacks on CanadiansPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 12:16pmThe Taliban issued an open letter to Canada Sunday saying more Canadians will be killed like the aid workers who were gunned down near Kabul last week if troops are not pulled out of Afghanistan. Full Story

88 die in Afghan violence; police deploy in KabulPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 12:17pmAfghan police commanders on Sunday ordered 7,000 officers onto the capital's streets, including the country's youngest cadets, to secure Kabul ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Full Story

2 bombs explode in Spanish resorts; no injuriesPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 12:47pmTwo small bombs blamed on Basque separatist group ETA exploded at tourist resorts in southern Spain on Sunday, authorities said. No injuries were reported, but more than 10,000 people were evacuated from a harbor area. Full Story

Regional security body to deal with Zimbabwe crisis: MbekiPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 12:48pmSouth African President Thabo Mbeki said a regional body on security issues will discuss Zimbabwe's crisis on Sunday after the end of the Southern African Development Community summit. Full Story

In 8 months Mexico drug-linked killings top 2007 totalPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 1:18pmDrug-related violence in Mexico killed 2,682 people across Mexico since the start of the year, more than all of 2007 (2,673), with nearly half occurring in northern Chihuahua state, El Universal daily reported Saturday. Full Story

Weapons smuggled into Mexico fuel drug warsPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 1:19pmHigh-powered automatic weapons and ammunition are flowing virtually unchecked from border states into Mexico, fueling a war among drug traffickers, the army and police that has left thousands dead, according to U.S. and Mexican officials.Full Story

Pakistan weak as militancy surgesPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 1:19pmMian Azif has stood praying by his older brother's hospital bed every night since the father of four was wounded by a suicide bomber who killed eight people and injured 30. Full Story

US drawdown raises security fears in Iraqi cityPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 2:01pmA series of bombings in this small but strategic northwestern Iraqi city is stoking fears of a return to sectarian conflict here and raising questions about a strategy of handing urban security to Iraqi police. Full Story

Suicide bomb kills 15 at Baghdad checkpointPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 2:48pmA suicide bomber on a motorcycle struck a checkpoint manned by U.S.-backed neighbourhood guards in Baghdad on Sunday, killing 15 people and wounding 29, police said. Full Story

Grenade kills 2 at Azerbaijan mosquePosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 4:15pmA grenade exploded during evening prayers at a packed mosque in Azerbaijan's capital Sunday, killing two people and injuring up to eight others, police said. Full Story

Iran launches satellite carrierPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 5:01pmIran says it has successfully launched a rocket capable of carrying its first domestically built satellite. Officials said only the rocket had been fired, correcting state media reports that the communications satellite itself had been sent into orbit. Full Story

Gunmen kill 13 at party in northern MexicoPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 5:20pmMexican authorities say gunmen killed 13 people at a family party in the border state of Chihuahua. Full Story

Sudan court sentences 8 Darfur rebels to death for attackPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 6:17pmA Sudanese court convicted and sentenced to death two senior members of a Darfur rebel group and six others for their role in an attack near the capital three months ago, court officials and a lawyer said Sunday. Full Story

As violence grows, Afghan police ordered to secure KabulPosted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 6:19pmAfghan police commanders on Sunday ordered 7,000 officers onto the capital's streets, including the country's youngest cadets, to secure Kabul ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Full Story

Chavez calls Georgia's leader a US 'puppet'Posted on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 8:00pmVenezuelan President Hugo Chavez says he considers Georgia's leader a "puppet" of Washington and is backing Russia in its conflict with the former Soviet republic. Full Story

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Notice anyone missing? No wonder they were caught flat-footed on 9/11. And as the outrageously great Kathy Shaidle points out, they could put out the same flyer today, for all the notice they have taken of the global Islamic jihad.

On Saturday, the San Francisco Fire Department, along with a group of other public and private agencies, ran a large-scale training exercise revolving around an urban weapons of mass destruction terrorist attack. Here, an emergency worker in a full hazmat suit examines the faux chemical that was supposedly found in the attack, which was said to be sodium cyanide, a poison that quickly affects peoples respiratory systems. On the ground behind, volunteers playing the role of dead victims lay prone.

Zawahiri English language message to Pakistani Army released on internet by As Sahab

http://www.lauramansfield.com/subscribers/The message released to ARY TV last weekend featuring the voice of Dr. Ayman al Zawahiri speaking in English was released on the internet this morning by As Sahab.The message, which features an audio recording of Zawahiri speaking in English played while a still image of Zawahiri is shown on screen, is 58 minutes, 10 seconds in length. A full transcript will be provided later today.

That's the filename of a map published by the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 11 Aug. The MFA's statements of 1–14 Aug '08 offer a clear, blow-by-blow picture of how Georgia saw the unfolding situation as it escalated into an invasion. The full text of all the MFA's statements with related images is below; there are several detailed daily timelines of incidents, events, and sightings

http://wwwwbipicomlink.blogspot.com/2008/08/aafia-siddiquis-terrorist-husband-al.htmlUnited States v. Aafia Siddiqui (Al-Qaida facilitator; Attempted murder of U.S. officers):Complaint (Added 8/5/08) Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani who studied at MIT and Brandeis, was allegedly arrested on July 17, 2008, by the Afghanistan National Police outside the Ghazni governor's compound. When she was searched, "they found numerous documents describing the creation of explosives, as well as excerpts from the Anarchist's Arsenal. Siddiqui's papers included descriptions of various landmarks in the United States, including in New York City. Siddiqui was also in possession of substances that were sealed in bottles and glass jars." While in custody, Siddiqui seized a U.S. Warrant Officer's M-4 rifle and fired at least two shots at U.S. military personnel but no one was hit. As DOJ explained, "the Warrant Officer returned fire with a 9 mm service pistol and fired approximately two rounds at Siddiqui's torso, hitting her at least once." Siddiqui is charged in a criminal Complaint filed in the Southern District of New York with one count of attempting to kill United States officers and employees and one count of assaulting United States officers and employees.

DEAD MUSLIM HAD MASSIVE AMOUNT OF CYANIDE CONFIRMED- ZYKLON Bhttp://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2008/08/dead-muslim-had.htmlSaleman Abdirahman Dirie from Ottawa (in this country illegally) was found dead with a pound of pure cyanide. This is a huge story. So frightening and the media is ignoring it. Print is dead. Read Spectre (20 years Army and Reserves) enlightens us, "Something like this cyanide find is very different. To me, it looks like they stumbled upon something that could have been in its operational stage. Convention two weeks away and all."

Cameras caught images of possible suspect in Tripoli explosionhttp://yalibnan.com/site/archives/2008/08/cameras_caught.phpPublished: Thursday, 14 August, 2008 @ 5:54 PM in BeirutBeirut- Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar said Thursday that surveillance cameras caught images of a possible suspect who was carrying a briefcase believed used in Wednesday's Tripoli bombing ."This act could have been carried out to drag the army into a confrontation," Najjar told the Voice of Lebanon radio station.He said the bomb attack could have also been an act of revenge against the Lebanese army which fought fierce battles in 2007 with extremists from Fatah al-Islam in the northern refugee camp of Nahr al-Bared.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Italy: Anti-terror Probe Looks At Pirelli Factory PlotPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:19amAn anti-terror probe has begun in Italy after police uncovered detailed architectural plans for tire-maker Pirellis plant in Turin, the Italian daily, La Stampa, reported on Wednesday. Full Story

Mauritanian Coup Leaders in Talks to Form New GovernmentPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:22amMauritania's military leaders have been talking with political parties to form a new government, after overthrowing the country's first democratically elected president. Full Story

Russian international reserves up $200 mln in weekPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:24amRussia's gold and foreign currency reserves increased by $200 million, to $597.5 billion, in the week of August 1 - August 8, the Central Bank of Russia said Thursday. Full Story

Despite Gaza truce, Palestinian militants still building rocketsPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:25amNearly two months after Israel entered into a truce with militant groups in Gaza, at least one of them says it is building longer-range rockets that Israel says would violate the cease-fire. Full Story

Ahmadinejad in new Israel tirade before Turkey tripPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:41amIranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad launched a fresh verbal attack on Israel on Wednesday on the eve of a visit to Israel's close ally Turkey, saying Western countries should not support the Jewish state. Full Story

Olmert rejects return of any Palestinian refugeesPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:42amPrime Minister Ehud Olmert has told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that Israel will not allow the return of any Palestinian refugees as part of a future statehood deal, Olmert's office said on Thursday. Full Story

Angolan Government Denies Human Rights Abuses Ahead Of ElectionPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:43amThe Angolan government is sharply denying a report by a United States based human rights group that charges that the upcoming general elections will not be free and fair. Human Rights Watch says evidence gathered shows the government has been intimidating opposition political parties and meddling in the activities of the electoral commission, which would threaten any chance of a fair vote. Full Story

India warns Pakistan against globalising KashmirPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:44amTaking strong exception to Pakistan's attempt to internationalise the Kashmir issue, India Wednesday warned Islamabad to desist from such a course of action that is 'gratuitous and illegal' and has the potential to harm the peace process between the two countries. Full Story

Seven killed in suicide bombing in PakistanPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:45amAt least seven people, including two policemen, were killed and more than a dozen injured Wednesday in a suicide attack that targeted the police in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore, officials said. Full Story

Chinese company to conduct feasibility study on dams in CambodiaPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:46amThe Cambodian government has given the go-ahead for a Chinese company to conduct feasibility study into building two hydropower dams on the Sre Pok River, English-Khmer language newspaper the Cambodia Daily said Thursday. Full Story

Massive jailbreak in Nepal terai, 54 inmates flee coopPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:47amIn the biggest jailbreak of its kind since the Maoist guerrillas signed a peace pact two years ago, nearly five dozen prisoners, armed with daggers and other weapons, staged a jailbreak in southern Nepal Wednesday, giving rise to fears that some could have fled to India across the border. Full Story

More than 80 pct of Indonesia bird flu cases diePosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:48amLate diagnosis and treatment means that more than 80 percent of people infected with H5N1 avian influenza in Indonesia have died, researchers reported on Wednesday. Full Story

Israel Agrees to U.S. Request for Flak Jackets for PAPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:50amIsrael has acceded to a long-standing United States request to allow Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces to wear flak jackets, but has rejected a model that would include stronger body armor that can repel fire from M-16 rifles. Full Story

Congress Details Massive Use of Private Contractors in IraqPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 5:51amA new report says the United States has spent about $100 billion on private contractors to support operations in Iraq since the 2003 invasion to oust Saddam Hussein. Full Story

Mexico violence claims 6 more police officersPosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 6:54amA deputy police chief and another commander in western Michoacan state were slain, authorities said Tuesday, in the latest signs of violence in which at least half a dozen officers have been reported dead across Mexico in the last two days. The victims include a senior investigator gunned down in the border state of Chihuahua and a deputy police chief in the Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, shot dead along with a bodyguard. Full Story

Lebanon Bomb Kills at Least 10 PeoplePosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:13amA bomb hidden in a briefcase exploded on a bus in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli during morning rush hour on Wednesday, killing at least 10 people and wounding 30 others, the Lebanese Army said. Lebanon has suffered a wave of bombings in recent years, including the 2005 killing of the former prime minister Rafik Hariri, which led to political upheaval in the country. However, the attack Wednesday was the first large-scale bombing in months. Full Story

Philippine villagers in fear of mines, fresh attacksPosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:14amThousands of villagers who fled their homes in the war-ravaged southern Philippines are not returning for fear of landmines and new attacks by Muslims rebels, officials said Wednesday. Although Muslim guerrillas have retreated from villages they occupied last week in the province of North Cotabato, government soldiers are still meeting small pockets of resistance. Scores of houses in mainly poor rural villages have been either burned to the ground or looted and crops destroyed by the retreating rebels. Full Story

Indian Kashmir hit by fresh protestsPosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:15amFresh violence hit Indian Kashmir as thousands of Muslims took to the streets to bury the victims of two days of deadly protests in the revolt-hit area, witnesses said Wednesday. The main city in the Kashmir valley, Srinagar, remained tense with Indian security forces easing a total curfew for a few hours so beleaguered residents could stock up on food and other supplies. Full Story

Looking for the brains behind terror cells: M.K. NarayananPosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:16amIndian intelligence agencies have uncovered 800 terrorist cells operating with external support, and are looking for the brains behind them within the country, National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan has said. We are concerned that there is a great deal of external inspiration and support, we are also concerned and are looking at a mastermind within the country, he told The Straits Times here. He was replying to a question about investigations into the recent blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad. Full Story

Web Threats increase in the Middle EastPosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:18amWith regional efforts to open more websites to users, the need for smart web security becomes even more imperative. The UAEs Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA), under its internet access management policy, is making available a thousand websites previously deemed potentially offensive. Full Story

US Homeland Security setting up counterspy unitPosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:19amThreats of foreign spying and terrorism have prompted the US Homeland Security Department to create its own counterintelligence division and require strict reporting from employees about foreign travel. That is according to an August 4 memorandum obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. Full Story

Russian Cyber Attacks Shut Down Georgian WebsitesPosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:21amFollowing just six days after the initiation of the Georgia-Russian conflict, the Georgian Internet became the target of a coordinated cyber attack, which compromised several government Websites with defacement and Denial of Service attacks, crippling the nation's ability to disseminate information. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili's site was defaced, integrating his image with those of Hitler. The sabotage was followed by a DDoS attack that left the presidential site inaccessible. Full Story

FBI chief: Drugs fuel crimePosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 10:24amTop U.S. law enforcement officials on Monday described drug cartels that are increasingly mobile, tech savvy, diverse and transnational, factors that are challenging efforts to curb border violence fueled by big profits. Modern organized crime organizations are "borderless," said FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III, who added that the FBI is "deeply concerned about high levels of drug trafficking, human smuggling and gang activity," as well as with the surge in violent crimes linked to the drug trade such as homicides, kidnappings and extortion. Full Story

Taliban attacks Nato by choking suppliesPosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 12:11pmGulab Khan is constantly reminded of the danger of his job by the two round stickers he has used to cover bullet holes in the windscreen of the cab of his lorry, one of the thousands of trucks carrying diesel and jet fuel to Nato bases across Afghanistan. I believe it was the holy Koran, which I keep with me in the truck, that saved me from the bullets, says Mr Shah as he recalls being attacked by insurgents last year on the dangerous run between Kabul and Kandahar airfield, a huge coalition military base in Afghanistans insurgent-ridden southern desert. Full Story

Six members of Mexico attorney general's organized crime unit placed under house arrestPosted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 11:22pmThe attorney generals office has placed under house arrest six members of its own organized crime unit, which is responsible for battling drug traffickers, kidnappers and human smugglers, the agency said. The six include the technical coordinator of the office for specialized investigation in organized crime and five members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation assigned to the agency. Full Story

Lebanon, Syria Agree to Establish Diplomatic RelationsPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 4:45amSyria and Lebanon have agreed to establish diplomatic ties and exchange ambassadors for the first time since the two countries gained independence more than 60 years ago. Full Story'Implement justice system review'Posted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 4:46amA reviewed criminal justice system will reward the country with swift, equitable and fair justice in criminal matters, Deputy Justice Minister Johnny de Lange said on Wednesday. Full Story

China: attacks possibly linked to terror groupsPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 4:48amChina said Wednesday that some evidence suggests terrorist groups may have been involved in a series of attacks in the Muslim territory of Xinjiang, far from the Olympics in Beijing. Full Story

Rebels Describe New Government Attacks in DarfurPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 4:50amThe Sudan Liberation Army rebel group says the Sudanese army has launched a new offensive in northern Darfur. Full Story

Three Aid Workers and Driver Killed in AfghanistanPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 4:52amOfficials in Afghanistan say suspected Taliban insurgents have killed three female international workers of a U.S aid organization and their Afghan driver. Ayaz Gul gives more details from Islamabad. Full Story

Power providers worried about looming blackoutsPosted on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 4:55amFive years after the worst blackout in North American history, the country's largest power providers say the problems that turned out the lights on 50 million people have largely been resolved, but they fear that larger, systemic issues could soon lead to even bigger and more damaging outages. Full Story

About Me

For many years involved with intelligence and security matters in Iran with significant access at top levels during the rule of the Shah, until early 1979. Currently an Iran SME (subject matter expert), analyst/commentator, and multi-linguist.